EBEL 1911 BTR Perpetual Calendar Chronograph in Pink Gold

For lovers of contemporary architecture and devotees of mechanical watchmaking – including many who are proud to be both – Ebel introduces a stunningly inspired pink gold version of its 1911 BTR Perpetual Calendar Chronograph, issued in an exclusive limited edition of 200.

This spectacular face of this new landmark creation is strongly reminiscent of contemporary architectural achievements such as modern art museums with their large bay windows amid a metal frame creating an alternating pattern of glass and steel. The play on perspective as well as the clever lighting and volume effects all vividly evoke a contemporary work of architecture, while the elegantly understated and subtly contrasting choice of colors inexorably draws the gaze to the intricate workings of the watch mechanism below. The ultimate goal of such sophisticated structures being to highlight the objet d’art inside, it comes as no surprise to learn that the movement inside the alternating slate grey and black openworked dial is fully worthy of such a spectacular stage-setting.

Clearly the most elaborate and prestigious of all Ebel proprietary movements, the Caliber 288 boats no less than 436 parts and a double COSC certification conferred before and after assembly of the perpetual calendar module. Caliber 288 steadily and reliably counts off the day of the week, the date, the month, the years, and the ever-poetic phases of the moon appearing on an exceptionally accurate astronomical display. This exceptional movement can also be admired through the transparent sapphire crystal case-back, providing an excellent view of the Architects of Time “compass” oscillating weight, a signature of Ebel proprietary calibers.

Despite providing such a vast amount of information, this quintessentially architectural timepiece is exceptionally readable thanks to its four sapphire crystal counters sporting a metallic matt appearance that undeniably enhances their legibility. 12 white Superluminova hour-markers stand out clearly against the dial rim, while the gold-plated diamond-polished skeleton hour and minute hands accentuate the sense of transparency prevailing throughout.

This glowing tribute to contemporary architecture exudes all the decidedly masculine and characteristic appeal of the 1911 BTR line launched in 2006. The dynamic and sophisticated edge to the iconic hexagonal 1911 case is eloquently conveyed through the generous dimensions of the 44.5 mm case framing a 32 mm dial opening, as well as the broader and more expressive bezel secured by 5 powerful screws. Fitted with an alligator leather strap featuring hand-sewn overstitching, this impressive stylistic exercise captures the essence of modern architecture by enshrining the infinitely large within the diminutive boundaries of a watch.